National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Department of Interior. We are a public-private partnership between the BLM, the National Historic Trails Center Foundation, and the City of Casper, Wyoming.
The Trails Center commemorates Native American history, early explorers, and the travel corridor of the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trails, as well as the Bridger and Bozeman trails through hands-on, interactive exhibits, multi-media programs, and virtual education opportunities.
Virtual interpretive programming and visits to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center are free!
The Mission of the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center:
The NHTIC interprets the significant role of the area’s historic trails in the history of the U.S. by providing exceptional visitor, educational, and volunteer programs. NHTIC staff seeks to promote public understanding of both America’s western native cultures and historic westward expansion while highlighting the BLM’s role as active stewards of public lands.
For more information about the trails as well as a link for a downloadable map, please click here
Hours
Hours
Open seven days a week: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Trails Center is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
For current information call (307) 261-7700.
Admission is FREE!
Events
Spring Programs
June 29 @ 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Flint Knapping Workshop
Featuring Patrick Walker. Pre-registration required.
June 29 @ 1 p.m.: The Willow Springs Campsite - A High Plains Oasis
Featuring Spencer Pelton, Wyoming State Archaeologist.
June 30 @ 1 p.m.: History of Fort Bridger - Migration Era Supply Stop to Military Outpost
Featuring Erika Olson, Fort Bridger State Historic Site
July 6-7: Pioneer Music
Featuring featuring recording artist Hank Cramer: Oregon Trail Songs @ 10 a.m.; California Trail Songs @ 12 p.m.; Soldier Ballads @ 2 p.m.
July 13 @ 1 p.m.: The 1906-08 Journey of Ute Indians Across Wyoming
Featuring Donovin Sprague, Miniconjou Lakota and Sheridan College faculty member
July 14 @ 1 p.m.: Libations Along the Pioneer Trails
Featuring NHTIC Interpreter Matthew Hughey
July 20 @ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Basket Making Workshop
With local historic re-enactor Jean Smart. Pre-registration required.
July 21 @ 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Pioneer Music & Storytelling - The Legacy of Wyoming
Featuring the renowned Buffalo Bill Boycott and Dr. Jo
July 27 @ 12 - 5 p.m.: American Solar Car Challenge Event
The NHTIC will be the 2024 host site and finish line, with solar cars displayed in the parking lot as they arrive.
July 28 @ 1 p.m.: Medicine on the Pioneer Trails
Featuring local historic re-enactor Nic Skalicky
August 3 @ 1 p.m.: A Look at One Wyoming and Nebraska Monument
Featuring local historian Kylie McCormick
August 3 @ 2 - 5 p.m.: Drop Spinning Workshop
With Joe Rodgers. Pre-registration required.
Youth Programs
Junior Ranger Programs: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
June 29 - The Ferocious Fur Trade
Hear some stories about the tough, determined, and resourceful fur traders that helped shape our nation. Now's the chance to touch the furs of the animals they were chasing!
July 6 - Life on the Trail
Need a friend to keep you company on the trail? Come make your own rag doll just like the pioneer children did!
July 13 - The Way of the Plains Indian
Test your ancient survival skills by learning how to hunt with an atlatl and use the different parts of the bison.
July 20 - Gold Rush!
It's 1849 and gold's been discovered in California! Come get your hands dirty as we try our luck panning for "gold."
July 27 - Life on the Trail
Need a friend to keep you company on the trail? Come make your own rag doll just like the pioneer children did!
August 3 - The Ferocious Fur Trade
Hear some stories about the tough, determined, and resourceful fur traders that helped shape our nation. Now's the chance to touch the furs of the animals they were chasing!
Storytime with Seymour Antelope: 10 a.m.
Join the BLM's mascot, Seymour Antelope, on the second Tuesday of each month for stories and snacks at the Trails Center.
- July 9
- August 13
- September 10
Pioneer Trail Treks**
June 29: Black Hills Route and Pioneer Graves
This trek will focus on what pioneer called the Black Hills route near Douglas, WY. Sites will include pioneer landmarks, swales, and graves.
July 20: County Roads 308/309 - The Oregon Trail Road
Known as the Oregon Trail Road, this trek follows County Roads 308 & 309 west of Casper with numerous trail-related stops showcasing pioneer trail history.
August 24: Western Nebraska to the Iron Bridge at Fort Laramie
Join us as we travel to Henry, Nebraska, where our journey begins following the pioneer trails. Stops will include pioneer related sites, including several pioneer graves. The trek concludes near the Fort Laramie area.
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Trail Treks** Know Before You Go – All trail treks depart at 8:00 a.m. from the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center parking lot: 1501 North Poplar, Casper, WY - unless otherwise noted.
Please bring sack lunches, drinks, sunscreen, and wear appropriate clothing and apparel. Be prepared for inclement weather throughout the day. Transportation to these sites will not be provided and carpooling is encouraged! 4-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles are recommended.
Registration is required to participate! For more information and/or to register for any trail trek, please contact Jason Vlcan at 307-261-7783.
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Volunteer
Volunteers at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center contribute close to 5,000 hours of time towards furthering the mission of the center and the BLM. We welcome volunteers and the breadth of experience they bring to the daily operations of the NHTIC.
There is a volunteer opportunity for everyone! Contact the Center at (307) 261-7700 for more information.
For additional volunteer opportunities with the BLM and other federal agencies, check out volunteer.gov.
Contact Us
Phone
307-261-7700
Contact
blm_wy_trailscenter@blm.gov
Address
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
1501 North Poplar Street
Casper, WY 82601
Directions
The Trails Center is located off Interstate 25 North of exit 189, or East of exit 190
Education
Educational Resources
For a wealth of resources on the trails, including maps, FAQs, basic facts, teaching trunks, and more, please see our Educational Resources page.
NHTIC Photos
